INSTRUCTIONS FOR COMPLETING BETTER BEGINNINGS APPLICATION

To apply or re-certify for Better Beginnings, submit the following information. A ll forms l isted are provided in the application packet. Be sure to use the correct form for your facility type (Center-Based, School-Age or Family Child-Care). Refer to the Better Beginnings Rules and Regulations Book (Section 7.00) or the Better Beginnings Guide for additional information.

� Form A –Application: Complete information about your facility on the front and back, including the director’s signature and date. For new applicants or applicants requesting a new level be sure to mark the level for which you are applying on page 1.

� Form B –Application Checklist: Mark each requirement “Yes” or “No” according to whether or not the requirement has been met for each level you are applying. To be c onsidered for a level all requirements must be met and c hecked “Yes”. To qualify for Level 2, all requirements for Levels 1 and 2 must be met and for Level 3, all requirements for Levels 1, 2, and 3 must be met.

� Form C –Annual Staff Record: Include information for the director and all current employees that work directly with children. Attach documentation for training not yet recorded in TAPP or attach ADE transcripts (if applicable). Place the date (month/year) for each training listed that the person has completed. Record the total number of training hours for the past 12 months for each staff.

� Form D –Written Daily Program Schedules and Plans: Complete the form and attach a copy of a daily program schedule and written daily plans for each age group. The written daily plans are to include a r ecent two-week sample of plans from a l esson plan calendar or similar planning method.

� Form E –Facility Self-Evaluation: Indicate which assessment t ool(s) were used (ECERS, ITERS, FCCERS, SACERS or YPQA). Note: If your facility has had a recent ERS or YPQA assessment, you may attach a copy of the cover sheet(s) from the report(s) to meet this requirement. Do not send the entire report.

� Form F –ARKids First, Child Health and Child Development: Complete the form by l isting ways your facility has distributed ARKids First information to families. Also, list examples of information on child development and health that has been shared with families in t he pas t 12 months. Do not send copies of the ARKIDS Brochure, Medical Home Brochure, Kindergarten Readiness Calendar, etc.

� Form G –Medical & Educational Care Plans: Attach the written policy/procedure describing the methods your facility uses for obtaining copies of plans and carrying out responsibilities within children’s special medical and/or educational plans.

� Form H – Strengthening Families: Required for Levels 2 and 3 only. After reviewing the website at www.strengtheningfamilies.net complete the form with the requested information. For Level 3 at tach a copy of the Action Plan form that is provided when completing the self-assessment on the website.

SAVE A COPY OF ALL DOCUMENTS FOR YOUR OWN RECORDS. SUBMIT THE ITEMS LISTED ABOVE TO:

DIVISION OF CHILD CARE AND EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION ATTENTION: BETTER BEGINNINGS UNIT

P O BOX 1437, SLOT S-150 LITTLE ROCK AR 72203-1437

PHONE: 501 682-8590 OR 800 445-3316

BETTER BEGINNINGS APPLICATION

CENTER-BASED

Better Beginnings Form A (03-2011) Page 1 of 2

FACILITY INFORMATION NEW APPLICANT - APPLYING FOR LEVEL 1 2 3 CERTIFIED – REQUESTING NEW LEVEL 1 2 3

CERTIFIED- CHANGE IN LOCATION / OWNER (Circle one) CONTINUING CERTIFICATION – TERM EXPIRING on_____/_____/_____

CENTER NAME: LICENSE NUMBER:

SITE ADDRESS: CITY: ZIP:

MAILING ADDRESS: (IF DIFFERENT THAN SITE)

CITY: ZIP:

PHONE: FAX: COUNTY:

DIRECTOR/ADMINISTRATOR NAME:

DIRECTOR/ADMINISTRATOR EMAIL:

OWNER NAME: OWNER PHONE: OWNER FAX:

OWNER MAILING ADDRESS:

CITY:

ZIP:

OWNER CONTACT NAME:

OWNER CONTACT EMAIL:

OPERATION DATES OF OPERATION: OPEN YEAR ROUND OPEN PART YEAR: FROM______________ TO: ___________________

FACILITY IS OPEN: 20 HOURS OR FEWER PER WEEK 40 HOURS OR FEWER PER WEEK MORE THAN 40 HOURS PER WEEK

HOURS OF OPERATION: MONDAY _______________ to _______________ TUESDAY _______________ to _______________ WEDNESDAY _______________ to _______________ THURSDAY _______________ to _______________ FRIDAY _______________ to _______________ SATURDAY _______________ to _______________ SUNDAY _______________ to _______________

SPECIFY SEASONAL HOUR VARIATIONS (E.G. SUMMER HOURS: 9-12 ONLY, FULL DAYS ON ALL SCHOOL HOLIDAYS, ETC.)

FACILITY DEMOGRAPHICS LICENSED CAPACITY: INFANT/TODDLER: PRESCHOOL: SCHOOL AGE: TOTAL:

NATIONAL ACCREDITATION ATTACH COPY OF ACCREDITATION CERTIFICATE

NAEYC COA CARF NAFCC

FACILITY PARTICIPATES WITH (CHECK ALL THAT APPLY) : VOUCHERS ABC HEAD START RSPMI DDTCS CHMS 21CCLC S21C SPECIAL NUTRITION

Better Beginnings Form A (03-2011) Page 2 of 2

CURRENT ENROLLMENT # OF CLASSROOMS & TEACHERS: (List each classroom separately)

ROOM AGE # OF CHILDREN # OF FULL-TIME TEACHERS # OF PART-TIME TEACHERS

Total # of Rooms: Infant Toddler Preschool School Age Total # of Teachers: Full-Time Part-Time

AUTHORIZATION On behalf of the licensed child care facility, I hereby voluntarily apply for participation and certification with Better Beginnings, Arkansas’ Quality Rating Improvement System. I hereby understand and agree to the following:

• The facility (physical space, records, etc.) must be accessible for on-site visits with or without notice. • My facility’s licensing history and status with other DHS programs will be subject to review. • The DCCECE Better Beginnings staff may access TAPP Registry records for compliance. • In order for my application to be considered complete, all information (as outlined in Section 7.00 of the Better Beginnings Rules and

Regulations) must be submitted with this application. • All information in this application is true and correct to the best of my knowledge.

Administrator/Director Signature Date OFFICIAL USE ONLY: LICENSING COMPLIANCE VIEWED: DATE KEYED:

APPLICATION CHECKLIST CENTER-BASED

Mark each requirement in the box “YES” or “NO” according to whether or not the requirement has already been met. Mark “YES” only if you have written documentation. e

A “Y ES” mark f or all requirements under a level will allow t he facility t o be considered f or t hat l evel. A mark of “NO” i n any column may indicate the facility is not yet ready to meet all requirements of that level and the facility may request technical assistance or refer to the Better Beginnings Guide and/or Toolkit.

1 Better Beginnings Form B Center-Based (03-2011)

Level 1 YES NO 1.A.1 Administrator attends “PAS Basics” training.

1.B.1 Administrator and teaching staff are members of the TAPP Registry and/or the ADE Registry. 1.B.2 Administrator meets requirements for TAPP Foundation 3 or higher, including 21 clock hours of training in program planning/management and/or leadership. 1.B.3 Within the first year of employment, all staff meet requirements for TAPP Foundation 1 or higher. 1.B.4 Administrator completes an ERS training. 1.B.5 Administrator completes training on developmentally appropriate physical activities for children.

1.C.1 A developmentally appropriate daily program schedule is posted in each classroom/program area. 1.C.2 Staff develop and implement written daily plans for each group.

1.D.1 Facility completes a self-evaluation using applicable approved environment rating tools (ERS or YPQA).

1.E.1 Facility documents distribution of ARKids First information to families of uninsured children. 1.E.2 Facility shares with families information on child development and on children’s health. 1.E.3 Any medical and educational care plans involving a child are written and on file, and implementation is documented while maintaining confidentiality. Level 2 TO QUALIFY YOU MUST MEET ALL REQUIREMENTS FOR LEVEL 1 & 2 YES NO 2.A.1 A program review is completed by a certified PAS assessor. 2.A.2 Administrator reviews the Strengthening Families website, webinar or receives training in the Strengthening Families Initiative.

2.B.1 Administrator and teaching staff maintain membership in the TAPP Registry and/or ADE Registry. 2.B.2 Administrator meets requirements for TAPP Intermediate 1 or higher, including 30 clock hours of training in program planning/management and/or leadership.

2.B.3 Within the first year of employment, all staff meet requirements for TAPP Foundation 1 or higher and at least 50% of teaching staff meet requirements for TAPP Foundation 2 or higher.

2.B.4 All administrators and teaching staff participate annually in 20 clock hours of approved professional development; for administrators, at least 3 clock hours must be in program planning/management and/or leadership.

2.B.5 At least 50% of teaching staff complete “Framework Basics” training; school age staff should complete “Developmental Assets Training.”

2 Better Beginnings Form B Center-Based (03-2011)

2.B.6 All administrative staff and 50% of teaching staff complete an ERS training; if facility is using YPQA school age staff should complete YPQA training. 2.B.7 Administrator and kitchen manager (if applicable) participate annually in at least 2 clock hours of training on nutrition for children.

2.C.1 All classrooms/program spaces have a minimum of two (2) clearly defined interest centers.

2.C.2 Written daily plans for each group include all areas of development as defined in the AR Early Childhood Education Framework or AR Framework for Infant and Toddler Care.

2.C.3 Staff plan and implement daily developmentally appropriate physical activities for all children.

2.D.1 Facility scores an average of 3.00 or higher on the ERS for each classroom reviewed; classrooms reviewed with YPQA/YYPQA must score an average of 3.00 or higher. School Age assessment tool choice: N/A SACERS YPQA YYPQA Review(s) Completed

2.E.1 Facility shares with families information regarding medical homes for children. 2.E.2 Facility shares with families information regarding stages of development for children.

Level 3 TO QUALIFY YOU MUST MEET ALL REQUIREMENTS FOR LEVELS 1, 2 AND 3 YES NO 3.A.1 The facility scores an average of 4.00 or higher on PAS items 1-21 (items 5 and 6 scored, but not included in average). Review(s) Completed 3.A.2 Administrator completes Strengthening Families online self-assessment for 3 or more Strategies. 3.A.3 Facility develops a Strengthening Families action plan and implements at least 1 action step.

3.B.1 Administrator meets requirements for TAPP Intermediate 1 or higher, including 45 clock hours of training in program planning/management and/or leadership.

3.B.2 Within the first year of employment, all staff meet requirements for TAPP Foundation 1 or higher and at least 50% of teaching staff meet requirements for TAPP Foundation 3 or higher.

3.B.3 All administrators and teaching staff participate annually in 25 clock hours of approved professional development; for administrators, at least 4 clock hours must be in program planning/management and/or leadership.

3.C.1 All classrooms/program spaces have a minimum of three (3) clearly defined interest centers. 3.C.2 Staff maintain a portfolio for each child. 3.C.3 Facility develops a current written curriculum plan and daily plans that include learning goals for children.

3.D.1 Facility scores an average of 4.00 or higher on the ERS for each classroom reviewed; classrooms reviewed with YPQA/YYPQA must score an average of 3.75 or higher. School Age assessment tool choice: N/A SACERS YPQA YYPQA Review(s) Completed

3.E.1 Facility shares with families information on nutrition and physical activity for children. Comments:

ANNUAL ADMINISTRATIVE STAFF RECORD The annual report is required for initial application and at 12 and 24 months after certification.

Better Beginnings Form C (3-2011)

ADMINISTRATIVE STAFF (INCLUDES OWNER, DIRECTOR, ASSISTANT DIRECTOR, ETC.)

QUALIFICATIONS DATE TRAINING COMPLETED # ANNUAL TRAINING

HOURS

NAME

POSI

TION

TAPP

ID#

TAPP

LEVE

L

DATE

OF

HIRE

F, P

, X*

CDA

TEAC

HING

CE

RTIF

ICAT

E

DEGR

EE

(Spe

cify)

PAS

BASI

CS

ERS

PHYS

ICAL

AC

TIVI

TY

NUTR

ITIO

N

YPQA

(S

A)**

Kitchen Manager (if applicable)

*F=full time (35 hours per week or more) P=part-time (20-34 hours per week) X=seasonal staff (less than 20 hours per week) ** (SA) = School Age

ANNUAL TEACHING STAFF RECORD The annual report is required for initial application and at 12 and 24 months after certification.

Better Beginnings Form C (3-2011)

TEACHING STAFF (EMPLOYEES WHO ARE REGULARLY SCHEDULED TO WORK DIRECTLY WITH CHILDREN/YOUTH)

QUALIFICATIONS DATE TRAINING COMPLETED # ANNUAL TRAINING

HOURS

NAME

TAPP

ID#

TAPP

LEVE

L

Date of Hire F,

P, X

*

HIGH

SC

HOOL

/GED

CDA

TEAC

HING

CE

RTIF

ICAT

E

Degree (Specify) OTHER ER

S

FRAM

EWOR

K BA

SICS

YPQA

(SA)

**

Deve

lopm

ental

As

sets

(SA)

**

*F=full time (35 hours per week or more) P=part-time (20-34 hours per week) X=seasonal staff (less than 20 hours per week) **(SA) = School Age

WRITTEN DAILY PROGRAM SCHEDULE & PLANS

Better Beginnings Form D (03-2011)

Center Name: License Number:

Age Group Served Daily Schedule Posted Daily Program Schedule for Each Classroom

Two Weeks Daily Plans for Each Age Group

If you use a curriculum, please list the name of the curriculum and the publisher:

I CERTIFY THAT THE ATTACHED DAILY PROGRAM SCHEDULES(S) ARE POSTED IN THE APPROPRIATE CLASSROOM/PROGRAM SPACE.

Administrator/Director Signature Date

FACILITY SELF-EVALUATION

Better Beginnings Form E (03-2011)

Center Name: License Number:

Identify the assessment tool(s) used for the facility.

Select all that apply: ITERS-R (Birth to 30 months)

ECERS-R (2 ½ years to 5 years)

SACERS (5 years to 12 years)

OR

YYPQA (Grades K-6)

YPQA (Grades 4-12)

NOTE: If your facility has had an environment assessment in the past, you may use the cover sheet(s) from the report(s) as evidence of a self-assessment.

Identify the self-assessment method being submitted

Cover Sheet from ERS Summary Report(s)

Copy of score sheet from ERS materials with each subscale marked (score sheets are located in the back of the ERS books)

Subscale self-evaluation from Better Beginnings Tool Kit

Technical Assistance visit using a rating scale on the following dates (copies not required):

Copy of YPQA/YYPQA Summary Report from Your Program Assessment

ARKIDS FIRST, CHILD HEALTH AND CHILD DEVELOPMENT

Better Beginnings Form F (03-2011)

Center Name: License Number: List examples of information that you have shared with families in the past 12 months. Indicate the way(s) in which it was shared.

Description of information

Requ

ired

for L

evel

Date

Bulle

tin

Boar

d Ha

ndou

t

News

lette

r

Hand

book

Other (specify)

ARKIDS First 1

Child Development (List example) 1

Children’s Health (List example) 1

Medical Home 2

Stages of Development (List example) 2

Nutrition (List example) 3

Physical Activity 3

Other (list)

MEDICAL & EDUCATIONAL CARE PLANS

Better Beginnings Form G (03-2011)

Center Name: License Number:

Your c enter should have a pol icy or procedure describing the method(s) used for obtaining and implementing children’s medical and educational care plans. Written information about the plan(s) and parent/guardian input about implementation should be maintained on file, with safeguards in place to maintain confidentiality of all information about children and famil-ies. A child without a disability may receive services that would require a service provider to be allowed access to the facility.

Medical care plan: A plan designed by a health care professional for the medical care of a particular child. Some examples of conditions that would require a medical care plan are asthma, diabetes, life-threatening allergy, etc.

Educational care plan: An Individualized Education Plan/Individualized Family Service Plan, commonly referred to as an IEP/IFSP, mandated by the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) to meet the educational needs of a child who has been identified w ith a disability. A plan may include speech-language pathology services or physical and occupational therapy.

Policy for Medical Care Plan attached

Policy for Educational Care Plan attached

Implementation Documented: Confidentiality Maintained: N/A:

If N/A, include reason:

STRENGTHENING FAMILIES (FOR LEVELS 2 AND 3 ONLY)

Better Beginnings Form H (03-2011)

Center Name: License Number:

2.A.2 Administrator has reviewed the Strengthening Families website, webinar or received training in the Strengthening Families Initiative.

Date of Review or Training:

One page print-out from website attached:

Training certificate attached:

3.A.2 Administrator completed the Strengthening Families online self-assessment for 3 or more Strategies.

Date Self-Assessment Completed:

List 3 Strategies Completed: 1)

2)

3)

3.A.3 Facility has developed a Strengthening Families Action Plan and implemented at least 1 action step.

Action Plan with at least one (1) action step implemented attached